the autobiography of dr martin luther king jr

His protests used no-violent tactics, even when the protesters themselves were met with violence from the police.Ħ) In 1963, Martin gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, at a famous rally named ‘March on Washington.’ Over 250,000 people gathered in the country’s capital to hear Martin and other activists speak about the importance of civil rights. After 381 days of protest, a court finally ruled that such segregation laws should no longer be recognised.ĭid you know that we have a FREE downloadable Martin Luther King primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!ĥ) Martin was a great believer in peaceful protest, inspired by the Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi. This sparked outrage in the African American community and Martin helped to organise a boycott of the city’s buses. They were also denied the right to vote in elections.ģ) Martin Luther King had his first experience of segregation at just six years old, when he was told he wasn’t allowed to play with his white friend anymore – his friend’s father wouldn’t allow it!Ĥ) His first major role in the Civil Rights Movement came in 1955, after an African American lady – Rosa Parks – was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a bus.

Black people had different schools, toilets and even sections of the bus to white people.

The Southern United States operated under the ‘Jim Crow laws’ that kept black and white people separated in what was called ‘segregation’.

At birth he was named Michael King, but his father later changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr.Ģ) When Martin Luther King was growing up, life was hard for African Americans. Meet the civil rights leader in our Martin Luther King facts and discover how he changed history for millions of African-American people during the Civil Rights Movement… Martin Luther King factsīest known for: Campaigning for the rights of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.ġ) Martin Luther King Jr was born in the United States of America to African American parents.

The autobiography of dr martin luther king jr